India-China Confidence Building Measures (CBMs)
Ahead of the prime minister's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, India and China have announced several confidence-building measures to stabilize the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Key Agreements
- Border Trade:
- Reopening of border trade through Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass, and Nathu La Pass.
- Facilitation of trade and investment flows with concrete measures.
- Boundary Delimitation and Management:
- Set up an expert group under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to explore early harvest in boundary delimitation.
- Advance effective border management to maintain peace in border areas.
- Create general level mechanisms in eastern and middle sectors in addition to the existing western sector.
- Flight Connectivity and Visas:
- Resume direct flight connectivity between China and India.
- Facilitate visas for tourists, businesses, media, and other visitors.
- Pilgrimage and Trans-border Rivers:
- Expand the Indian pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash.
- Exchange views on trans-border rivers and maintain communication on renewal of MoUs.
- China agreed to share hydrological information during emergencies based on humanitarian considerations.
Diplomatic Support
- Both sides agreed to support each other in hosting successful diplomatic events.
- The Chinese side will support India in hosting the 2026 BRICS summit, while the Indian side will support China for the 2027 BRICS summit.
